Non-uniform steerer tube or fork leg

ABSTRACT

A non-uniform steerer tube. The non-uniform steerer tubes includes an axis-symmetric outer surface and a non axis-symmetric inner surface. The axis-symmetric outer surface and the non axis-symmetric inner surface defining a wall thickness therebetween. The wall thickness varying along an axial length of the non-uniform steerer tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of claims the benefit of and claimspriority to the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/659,272,filed on Oct. 21, 2019, entitled “NON-UNIFORM STEERER TUBE OR FORK LEG”by William O. Brown, IV et al., assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application claims the benefit of and claims priority to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/751,929 filed on Oct. 29, 2018,entitled “NON-UNIFORM STEERER TUBE OR FORK LEG” by William O. Brown, IVet al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, and ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to a steerer tubeand/or a fork leg.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally a steerer tube is coupled with a fork or other mechanismto enable a user to steer a vehicle such as, but not limited to, abicycle, a motorcycle, and the like. More specifically, the steerer tubeis typically coupled to handlebars using a stem. As a result, movementof the handlebars by a user results in rotation of the steerer tube.Further, as the steerer tube is also ultimately coupled to, typically,the front wheel, rotation of the steerer tube results in turning of thewheel (i.e., non-axial movement of the wheel). Hence, as the steerer isultimately coupled to the front wheel and to the handlebars, the steerertube can be subjected to significant forces, torques, vibrations, andthe like. Similarly, the fork (or fork legs) of the vehicle can besubjected to significant forces, torques, vibrations, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-uniform steerer tube, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the non-uniform steerer tube of FIG.1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the non-uniform steerer tube of FIG. 1taken from an angle different from that of FIG. 1 , in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C are side-sectional views of one embodiment of a non-uniformsteerer tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C are side-sectional views of another embodiment of anon-uniform steerer tube, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of a non-uniform steerer tube locatedon a bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of thepresent invention and is not intended to represent the only embodimentsin which the present invention is to be practiced. Each embodimentdescribed in this disclosure is provided merely as an example orillustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In someinstances, well known methods, procedures, objects, and circuits havenot been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe present disclosure.

As stated above, in some vehicles, a steerer tube is ultimately coupledto a wheel of a vehicle. Similarly, in some vehicles, a fork leg of afork is ultimately coupled to a vehicle. For purposes of brevity andclarity, the following discussion will refer to embodiments of thepresent invention corresponding to a steerer tube. It should be noted,however, that various embodiments of the present invention are wellsuited for use in an upper fork leg, a lower fork leg, or concurrentlyin both of the upper fork leg and the lower fork leg, or any combinationof fork legs in conjunction also with use in a steerer tube. That said,for purposes of brevity and clarity only, and not to be interpreted as alimitation, the following discussion will refer to embodiments of theinvention pertaining to a steerer tube.

As will be described in detail below, embodiments of the presentinvention provide a non-uniform steerer tube. Referring now to FIG. 1 ,a perspective view is shown of a non-uniform steerer tube 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring stillto FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, non-uniform steerer tube 100includes an outer surface 102 (may also be referred to an outerdiameter) and an inner surface 104 (may also be referred to as an innerdiameter). In embodiments of the present invention, outer surface 102 isan axis-symmetric surface of revolution along the axial span (the “axialspan” may also be referred to herein as an “axial length”) ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100. That is, in various embodiments, outersurface 102 of non-uniform steerer tube 100 has a uniform diameter. Morespecifically, outer surface 102 has a uniform diameter length at anygiven location along the axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100. Itshould be noted, however, that the uniform diameter length of outersurface 102 may be different at various locations along the axial spanof non-uniform steerer tube 100. For example, it can be seen from FIG. 1, that the outer surface 102 of non-uniform steerer tube 100 has auniform diameter length, d, along span length portion 106 of non-uniformsteerer tube 100. It can further be seen from FIG. 1 , that the outersurface 102 of non-uniform steerer tube 100 has a uniform diameter whichgradually decreases from a uniform diameter length, D, to a uniformdiameter length, d, along span length portion 108 of non-uniform steerertube 100 in the direction shown by arrow 110.

With reference still to FIG. 1 , in embodiments of the presentinvention, inner surface 104 is not an axis-symmetric surface ofrevolution along the entire axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100.That is, in various embodiments, inner surface 104 of non-uniformsteerer tube 100 has a non-uniform diameter at, at least, one locationalong the axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100. Moreover, inembodiments of the present invention, inner surface 104 may have anon-uniform diameter length at any given location along the axial spanof non-uniform steerer tube 100. Additionally, in embodiments of thepresent invention, inner surface 104 will have a non-uniform diameterlength along the entire axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100.Also, in embodiments of the present invention, inner surface 104 willhave a non-uniform diameter length at multiple locations along the axialspan of non-uniform steerer tube 100. Furthermore, it should be noted,that in embodiments of the present invention, inner surface 104 may havea uniform diameter length at, at least, one location along the axialspan of non-uniform steerer tube 100.

Referring still to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that at end 112 ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100, inner surface 104 has a non-uniformdiameter. More specifically, at end 112 of non-uniform steerer tube 100,inner surface 104 has a non-uniform diameter which varies from a maximumlength, L1, to a minimum length, L2.

Referring next to FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of non-uniform steerertube 100 of FIG. 1 is provided in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The cross-section of FIG. 2 is taken at, or near, end112 of non-uniform steerer tube 100. FIG. 2 clearly shows thatnon-uniform steerer tube 100 has an inner surface 104 with a non-uniformdiameter which varies from a maximum length, L1, to a minimum length,L2. Thus, it can be stated that, in various embodiments, non-uniformsteerer tube 100 has a round outer profile but non-round inner profileat, at least, some location along the axial span of non-uniform steerertube 100.

With reference still to FIG. 2 , in embodiments of the presentinvention, non-uniform steerer tube 100 will have an inner surface 104which is oval in shape. In other embodiments of the present invention,non-uniform steerer tube 100 will have an inner surface 104 which isegg-shaped. In other embodiments of the present invention, non-uniformsteerer tube 100 will have an inner surface 104 which iselliptically-shaped. Additionally, in embodiments of the presentinvention, non-uniform steerer tube 100 will have an inner surface 104which is rectangularly-shaped. In various embodiments in whichnon-uniform steerer tube 100 has an inner surface 104 which isrectangularly-shaped, some of the embodiments have sides of differentthickness. Importantly, in embodiments of the present invention,regardless of the various examples of shapes and configurationsdescribed above, inner surface 104 of non-uniform steerer tube 100 has anon-uniform diameter at, at least, one location along the axial span ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100.

FIG. 3 provides another perspective view of non-uniform steerer tube 100taken from an angle different from that of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A-4C are side-sectional views of one embodiment of non-uniformsteerer tube 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, inner surface 104 ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100 has a non-uniform diameter at section 2along the axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100. Further, in theembodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, inner surface 104 of non-uniform steerer tube100 has a uniform diameter at section 1 along the axial span ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100.

FIGS. 5A-5C are side-sectional views of another embodiment ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, inner surface 104of non-uniform steerer tube 100 has a non-uniform diameter at section 2along the axial span of non-uniform steerer tube 100. Further, in theembodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, inner surface 104 of non-uniform steerer tube100 also has a non-uniform diameter at section 1 along the axial span ofnon-uniform steerer tube 100.

FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of a non-uniform steerer tube locatedon a bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the various aforementioned embodiments of non-uniform steerer tube100, the “non-uniformity” of the diameter of inner surface 104 isselected to provide additional support for non-uniform steerer tube 100at locations thereof which are subjected to greater stress. If it isdetermined that a particular type of use is subjecting a steerer tube toa “fore and aft” force which is greater than a “side-to-side” force,embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube 100 will adjust thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 to provideadditional support with respect to the fore and aft force. Conversely,if it is determined that a particular type of use is subjecting asteerer tube to a “side-to-side” force which is greater than a “fore andaft” force, embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube 100 willadjust the non-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 toprovide additional support with respect to the side-to-side force.

In embodiments of the present invention, when used with a vehicle,non-uniform steerer tube 100 will be oriented such that thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 provides additionalsupport with respect to an anticipated load. For example, in oneembodiment of the present invention, if it is anticipated that thevehicle will experience a fore and aft force/load, non-uniform steerertube is oriented such that the non-uniformity of the diameter of innersurface 104 of non-uniform steerer tube 100 will provide additionalsupport with respect to the fore and aft force.

As yet another example, in various embodiments of the presentnon-uniform steerer tube 100, the non-uniformity of the diameter ofinner surface 104 is adjusted to provide additional support at thebottom of non-uniform steerer tube 100. As yet another example, invarious embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube 100, thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 is adjusted toprovide additional support at the top of non-uniform steerer tube 100.As still another example, in various embodiments of the presentnon-uniform steerer tube 100, the non-uniformity of the diameter ofinner surface 104 is adjusted to provide additional support at both thetop and the bottom of non-uniform steerer tube 100.

Additionally, embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube 100adjust the non-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 inresponse to various frequencies imparted to non-uniform steerer tube100. In one embodiment, non-uniform steerer tube 100 configures thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 such thatnon-uniform steerer tube 100 reduces and/or changes fore and aftvibrational and/or resonant frequencies. In another embodiment,non-uniform steerer tube 100 configures the non-uniformity of thediameter of inner surface 104 such that non-uniform steerer tube 100reduces and/or changes side-to-side vibrational and/or resonantfrequencies. In still another embodiment, non-uniform steerer tube 100configures the non-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 suchthat non-uniform steerer tube 100 reduces and/or changes fore and aftand side-to-side vibrational and/or resonant frequencies.

As a result, embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube 100 areable to reduce and/or change the vibrations or other unwanted effectsimparted to a vehicle rider based on the conditions that the vehicleand/or non-uniform steerer tube 100 is experiencing.

In various embodiments of the present invention, non-uniform steerertube 100 “translates” the vibration that will be transferred to thehandlebars. That is, by adjusting the non-uniformity of the diameter ofinner surface 104, non-uniform steerer tube 100 alters the frequencies(makes the frequencies higher or lower) that are ultimately passed tothe vehicle user (via, e.g., the handlebars). It should be further notedthat in various embodiments, where it is desired to reduce the amplitudeof a particular frequency, non-uniform steerer tube 100 reduces thevibration that will be transferred to the handlebars by adjusting thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104. Conversely, itshould be further noted that in various embodiments, where it is desiredto increase the amplitude of a particular frequency, non-uniform steerertube 100 amplifies the vibration that will be transferred to thehandlebars by adjusting the non-uniformity of the diameter of innersurface 104.

Although embodiments of the present non-uniform steerer tube explicitlydescribe adjusting the non-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface104, various other embodiments of the present invention adjust theresponse and operation of the steerer tube by varying the materialcomprising at least a portion of the steerer tube. It should further benoted that the present invention also includes embodiments is which thenon-uniformity of the diameter of inner surface 104 is adjusted, and thematerial comprising at least a portion of the non-uniform steered tubeis varied.

In embodiments of the present invention, outer surface 102 remainscircular (at each cross-section) along the span of non-uniform steerertube 100. Such a configuration has several advantages associatedtherewith, besides the advantages described above. For example, becausethe outer surface of non-uniform steerer tube 100 is not altered (i.e.,remains circular), non-uniform steerer tube 100 is still well suited touse with conventional bushings, gaskets, stems, and various othercomponents. As a result, the beneficial non-uniform steerer tube 100 ofthe present embodiments, can still be offered as an industry standardproduct.

Furthermore, as yet another benefit, as outer surface 102 remainscircular (at each cross-section) along the span of non-uniform steerertube 100, an observer viewing only the outer surface of non-uniformsteerer tube 100 would not be able to visually detect any differencebetween a conventional steerer tube and the present non-uniform steerertube 100. Hence, the beneficial features of the present non-uniformsteerer tube 100 are clandestine, and remain hidden to an observerviewing only the outer surface of non-uniform steerer tube 100 Theexamples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain, todescribe particular applications, and to thereby enable those skilled inthe art to make and use embodiments of the described examples. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing descriptionand examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration andexample only. The description as set forth is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the Claims.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certainembodiments,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “various embodiments”, or similar term, means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, theappearances of such phrases in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics ofany embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or moreother features, structures, or characteristics of one or more otherembodiments without limitation.

What we claim is:
 1. A non-uniform steerer tube comprising: anaxis-symmetric outer surface; and a non axis-symmetric inner surface,said axis-symmetric outer surface and said non axis-symmetric innersurface defining a wall thickness therebetween, said wall thicknessvarying along an axial length of said non-uniform steerer tube, said nonaxis-symmetric inner surface having a non-uniform diameter length atmultiple locations along said axial length of said non-uniform steerertube, said non-uniform steerer tube having a round outer profile and anon-round inner profile at, at least, one location along said axiallength of said non-uniform steerer tube.
 2. The non-uniform steerer tubeof claim 1 wherein said non axis-symmetric inner surface has saidnon-uniform diameter length along said entire axial length of saidnon-uniform steerer tube.
 3. The non-uniform steerer tube of claim 1wherein said non axis-symmetric inner surface has a uniform diameterlength at, at least, one location along said axial length of saidnon-uniform steerer tube.
 4. The non-uniform steerer tube of claim 1wherein said non axis-symmetric inner surface is configured to provideadditional support for said non-uniform steerer tube at locations ofsaid non-uniform steerer tube which are subjected to greater stressduring use than other locations of said non-uniform steerer tube.
 5. Anon-uniform steerer tube comprising: an axis-symmetric outer surface;and a non axis-symmetric inner surface, said axis-symmetric outersurface and said non axis-symmetric inner surface defining a wallthickness therebetween, said wall thickness varying along an axiallength of said non-uniform steerer tube, said non axis-symmetric innersurface having a non-uniform diameter length at multiple locations alongsaid axial length of said non-uniform steerer tube, said non-uniformsteerer tube having a round outer profile and a non-round inner profileat, at least, one location along said axial length of said non-uniformsteerer tube, said axis-symmetric outer surface of said non-uniformsteerer tube is circular along said axial length of said non-uniformsteerer tube such that no visual differences are detectable between aconventional steerer tube and said non-uniform steerer tube.